Avalanche
Avalanche, a hard rock band from Western Sydney, has been steadily evolving since its inception in 2018-2019. With roots deeply embedded in classic Aussie rock, the band has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the competitive music scene. Initially, the band members were young & driven by a simple desire to play music. However, in recent years, they’ve shifted to a more serious, career-oriented approach.
The band’s music is heavily influenced by iconic Australian acts such as AC/DC, Cold Chisel, & Billy Thorpe, as well as international legends like Led Zeppelin & Motörhead. Their sound is a homage to the rock greats of the 70s, infused with their unique energy & style.
Challenges & Rewards of the Independent Music Scene
Being an independent band in today’s music industry comes with its own set of challenges. Avalanche has faced the typical struggles of balancing creative endeavours with the demands of managing the band. In the early days, they handled everything from social media to booking shows, leaving little time for the actual music-making process.
“That's the hard part of it. You're always doing a million other things, like social media admin & all that stuff behind the scenes before you even get a chance to pick up the guitar,” Veronica explained to Pario.
Despite these challenges, the band has seen significant rewards. Notably, winning Australia’s biggest original band competition, the Passport To Airlie, was a major turning point for Avalanche.
“We just randomly entered this band comp & didn't really think anything of it at the time,” recalled Veronica. “We played a couple of heats & we kept getting through so we were like, ‘Oh, all right’.”
Competing with no pressure or expectations allowed Avalanche the freedom to enjoy the journey. Then before they knew it they were performing alongside some of their heroes & ultimately winning the Passport To Airlie competition. A victory that not only boosted their confidence but also helped them secure a manager & booking agent, allowing them to focus more on their music
“It definitely made all of us turn & think, we could really push this to see how far we can go,” said Steve before Veronica continued. “This is the first time we’ve had a manager & worked with a booking agent, which was something we've worked towards but it ended up happening because of the festival. So we're really grateful for that.”
The Importance of Live Performances
Live performances have always been a cornerstone of Avalanche’s identity. Their shows are known for being high-energy, no-frills rock experiences, & they have gained a reputation for their powerful stage presence. The band’s return to full live touring post-pandemic has been a relief, as they thrive on the connection they make with their audience during live shows.“It was obviously really hard playing to a seated audience or only half of what is allowed in the venue. With rock music especially you want people to dance & mosh, so it’s not as easy to make that connection when you're playing to a restricted audience.”
Avalanche’s international tours, including their headline tour in Japan, have been particularly rewarding. They were pleasantly surprised by the positive reception of Aussie rock in places like Japan & New Caledonia, where fans even knew the lyrics to their songs.
“When we went to Japan we were really surprised to see them wearing like Airbourne, Amyl And The Sniffers, & Hard-Ons t-shirts. So, I guess Aussie Rock is loved worldwide or at least in the places that we've been so far,” recalled Veronica.
This global appreciation has further fuelled their passion for live performances, making it clear that their music resonates beyond Australian borders.
As Avalanche continues to grow, they have ambitious plans for the future. They are working on releasing their first full-length album & are planning more international tours, with Europe & the UK in their sights. With a dedicated team behind them & a growing fan base, Avalanche is poised to take their music to even greater heights.